a man whose bowling average is 12.4 takes 5 wickets for 26 rus and therby decreases his average by 0.4. the numbe of wickets taken by him before his last match is??

Suppose the man has taken x wickets before his last match.

His average before the last match = 12.4

His total before the last match = 12.4 x x runs

Thus, his total wickets = 12.4x + 26       ... (1)

 

Now, his reduced average for (x+5)wickets = 12.4-0.4 = 12

His total for (x+5) wickets = 12 (x + 5)      ... (2)

From (1) and (2),

12.4x + 26 = 12(x+5)

On solving, we get x = 85.

Hence, the man has taken 85 wickets before his last match.